Unity Theatre Ensemble to revive Cotton Club Revue May 20-23

Unity Theatre Ensemble is reviving its critically acclaimed 2008 musical production The Cotton Club Revue for a weekend of performances starting Thursday, May 20 through Sunday, May 23 at the Ivory Theatre, 7622 Michigan Ave in south St. Louis.

The Cotton Club Revue highlights the music and dance of Harlem in the 1930s, featuring songs made famous by Bessie Smith, Lena Horne, Ethel Waters, Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller, Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway. Unity's 2008 production of the show, which included singer Denise Thimes in the cast, won four Kevin Kline Awards recognizing excellence in St. Louis theater, including Outstanding Production of a Musical, Outstanding Ensemble in a Musical, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical, Outstanding Musical Direction.

This encore production stars singers Willena Vaughn, Herman Gordon, Shelley Miller, Nakischa Joseph, Sam Huddleston and LaMesha Brown and dancers Ashi Smythe, Rece Jones, Jamila Ajanaku, Samoria Austin, Ledell Watt and Steve Martin. The show was compiled and directed by the company's artistic director Ralph E. Greene, with musical direction and conducting by David A. Foote and choreography by Andrea Smythe.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Advance tickets are $21 for general admission, $18 for senior citizens and students with I.D., and can be purchased via Metrotix or by calling Afro World, Inc. at 314-389-5194. Tickets purchased at the door are $25.00 and $21.00. For group rates, reservations, or to charge by phone, call Unity Theatre Ensemble at 314-355-3586.